Alfredo Gutierrez 2019 Historymaker remembers Justice Sandra Day O'Connor 1992 Historymaker

 Always the diplomat Alfredo Gutierrez, former Arizona state senator and 2019 Arizona Historymaker wrote this Letter to the Editor about Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Arizona Republic Newspaper. December 10, 2023.

"She was the first woman to serve as majority leader of the state Senate. I sat immediately behind her on the Senate floor. We became friends in that term.

We often disagreed on policy, but nonetheless she taught this freshman 25-year-old senator the arcane ways of the Legislature. I would succeed her as majority leader.

She was precise and indefatigable; her husband John, like her was brilliant, but unlike her was a social beacon with an extraordinary sense of humor.

Together they were a power to behold in Arizona and soon they became a power in Washington.

That overused phrase, 'the passing of an era,' is true today. A powerful Republican mentoring a Democratic progressive fireball with whom in policy there was disagreement but humanity and decency nonetheless overwhelmed partisan politics?

Not now, not today. And that forebodes nothing good for this country."

Alfredo Gutierrez, former Arizona state senator

PBS Horizon features Arizona Historymakers

 Enthusiastic about Arizona Historymakers™, Diana Smith and Carey Pena shared stories of the 2023 Historymakers on Arizona PBS Horizon. https://azpbs.org/horizon/2023/12/the-historical-league-names-this-years-historymakers/

Bob Boze Bell December meeting guest speaker

 With guest speaker Bob Boze Bell, the Historical League December meeting was entertaining. Lots of history, good stories and humor. Thanks to Pat Grogg for organizing this program.

Dr. Kristen Rex devoted to education

A dynamo with school field trips, Dr. Kristen Rex enhances the experience of these students at the Arizona History Museum in Tucson. We are so grateful for her enthusiasm and experience!

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (1930-2023) Arizona Historymaker in 1992

 With sadness but also joy, we remember Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (1930-2023) for the many remarkable contributions she made to Arizona and our Nation. Honored in 1992 as an Arizona Historymaker™, her biography, oral history transcript, candid pictures, video and formal portrait are available at https://www.historicalleague.org/historymakers/sandra-day-oconnor

In her last public remarks, she said: "If we want our democracy to thrive, we must commit to educating our youth about civics" and helping them "understand their crucial role as informed, active citizens in their communities."

Terry Goddard 2023 Arizona Historymaker

 Lots of joy at the Goddard tables and around the courtyard, as 2023 Arizona Historymaker Terry Goddard mingled with family and friends at the Celebration October 14.

Celebrating 2023 Arizona Historymakers with husbands

 Can't say enough wonderful things about those supporting husbands. They put up with all our volunteer time organizing the 2023 Arizona Historymaker™ Event and then celebrate it with us.